During this past semester, one of my projects was to build a table out of cardboard. We were only allowed to use 5 4 foot by 4 foot sheets of cardboard. It had to hold 50 lbs and not be affected by liquids.

So here are my design and construction sketches.

Then the table was created. Here is what it looked like.

But then, after the creation was the test. Our professor literally threw books on to everyone’s table, and also put a cold glass of iced tea on to the top of the table. Here was my reaction. These photos are thanks to Craig.

Lately, I’ve been wanting to experiment with painting with media besides regular paint. Media such as coffee, tea, wine, and beer. Of course a little research ensued and I happened upon this work by Hong Yi. There is nothing I can say that will justify it. Just click on the link and enjoy it.

Taken from Experiencing Architecture, “Hearing Architecture” by Steen Eiler Rasmussen

The only result of trying to judge architecture as you would a school paper – A for that building, B for that one, etc. – is to spoil the pleasure architecture gives. It is a risky business. It is quite impossible to set up absolute rules and criteria for evaluating architecture because every worthwhile building – like all works of art – has its own standard.

It is possible to get as much pleasure from architecture as the nature lover does from plants. He cannot say whether he prefers the desert cactus or the swamp lily. Each of them may be absolutely right in its own locality and own climate. He loves growing things, familiarizes himself with their special attributes and therefore knows whether or not he has before him a harmoniously developed example or stunted growth of that particular variety. In the same way we should experience architecture.